Josh Loyd has always believed in setting the bar high—a philosophy that has guided him from his early days as an Eagle Scout in Herrin to his current role as a Nurse Practitioner at Southern Illinois Dermatology, one of the region's largest specialty practices.

The 2011 Herrin High School graduate represents a family deeply rooted in the Herrin community and school system. His mother, Michele Loyd, retired after 33 years of teaching mathematics at Herrin High School, while his father, Jimmie Loyd, served as the assistant police chief for Herrin before his retirement.

Loyd's educational journey began at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, where he was part of a close-knit class of just 22 students. The transition to Herrin High School's much larger environment—with over 150 students in his graduating class—proved to be a significant adjustment, but one that Loyd navigated successfully.

"Overall, my high school experience was great. I made a lot of friends and adjusted well. I look back on my time in high school with very fond memories," Loyd recalls.

Before even entering high school, Loyd achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, completing a service project that created habitats for ducks in local lakes. This early accomplishment foreshadowed his future commitment to serving others and his community.

After graduation, Loyd's path took some explorative turns. He attended John A. Logan College for a year before transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, still uncertain about his career direction. With guidance from his parents in his early twenties, he returned to John A. Logan to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing.

His nursing career began at Southern Illinois Healthcare, where he worked in emergency departments for approximately two and a half years while simultaneously earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing online through Indiana Wesleyan University.

In 2019, Loyd embarked on a two-year period as a travel nurse—a decision that unexpectedly coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Though challenging, this experience broadened his professional horizons and pushed him beyond his comfort zone.

"If an opportunity presents itself that might make you anxious or pushes you beyond what you're used to—for me, being a travel nurse—you have to go at it with full force because it's only going to help you grow," Loyd explains.

Upon returning to Southern Illinois, he worked in the emergency department at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center while completing his clinical rotations for his nurse practitioner degree. After graduating with his Master's degree, Loyd joined Southern Illinois Dermatology, where he now performs annual skin exams, minor procedures, biopsies, and makes clinical recommendations for advanced treatments. "We have a very autonomous role at the practice," he notes, explaining that they handle all general dermatology needs while physicians focus on more extensive surgeries.

Not content to rest on his achievements, Loyd continues to push his boundaries. In May 2025, he begins a Doctor of Nursing Practice program through Northern Kentucky University. This advanced degree will open doors to teaching college courses and further career advancement opportunities.

Beyond his primary position at Southern Illinois Dermatology, Loyd works per diem at Franklin Hospital's walk-in clinic, providing urgent care services. He has also expanded his personal growth in unexpected directions, becoming a certified yoga instructor who teaches classes at Aspire Yoga Studio in Marion, where he currently resides.

Loyd maintains strong connections with friends from his Herrin childhood, including classmates he's known since kindergarten. "We don't always see each other, but we stay in touch. When we catch up, it's like time never passed," he says. "It's neat to see how we've all grown together and done well, achieving a lot from being in such a small town."

His advice to current Herrin students and residents reflects his own journey: "Never set your bar too low, because you can surprise yourself at any time in life. Truly, anything is possible—it's just about finding the right way to go about it to get to your goal."